air/space
National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center – Chantilly, Va.
10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free. 703-572-4118. airandspace.si.edu.
While the Smithsonian museum on the National Mall is always a treat, its younger cousin is just as sure to impress. Exhibits include Cold War aviation, which features the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and a spy plane developed to keep tabs on the Soviets. If some good old-fashioned espionage doesn’t interest you, try learning about sport aviation – flying for the fun of it! Marvel at planes and spacecraft big and small. While you’re there, spend a little extra to feel like a kid again in one of the interactive space shuttle simulators. This museum is a great place to spend a day with the fam, too.
A too-many-space-songs playlist:
“Cape Canaveral” – Conor Oberst
“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
“Paper Planes” – M.I.A.
“E.T.” – Katy Perry
“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift
“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
“Countdown” – Beyoncé
“Basic Space” – the xx
“Arabella” – Arctic Monkeys
“Planes” – Jeremih
monticello
Monticello – Charlottesville, Va.
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $25 for adults. (434) 984-9800. monticello.org
Wake up and smell the history! Set on a vast plantation, this home is the masterpiece of the third president, Thomas Jefferson. Learn about his life and hobbies, as well as the stories of the slaves who lived and worked there. Take a tour of the house, and then meander through Jefferson’s gardens, used for experiments. You might be surprised at how much more he is than just a Declaration signer. The architecture and trails will make for a day sure to please any history buff.
Try this stars-and-stripes themed collection:
“Retrograde” – James Blake
“Private Lawns” – Angus & Julia Stone
“Special Affair” – the Internet
“American Boy” – Estelle feat. Kanye West
“Hang Loose” – Alabama Shakes
“Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”s – Vampire Weekend
“Living in America” – Dom
“Fall in Love” – Phantogram
“National Anthem” – Lana Del Rey
visionary
American Visionary Art Museum – Baltimore
Tues.– Sun. 10 a.m-6 p.m. $15.95 for adults. 410-244-1900. avam.org.
Porcelain reindeer heads on bright pink toilets and creepy renditions of Christmas music? That was last year’s exhibit at Baltimore’s quirkiest museum. The place features art from those way ahead of their time, including the paintings of Eddy Mumma, a recluse and double amputee. You’ll see everything from cyborgs to ridiculous tin foil gorillas. Wander and shake your head – you won’t be disappointed. Don’t worry about getting lost either; the mosaic-covered building will blind you from a mile away. And if you’re tired of movies and walks in the park, this museum promises a one-of-a-kind date. When you’re done, you can even grab some lunch at Baltimore’s inner harbor.
Summery Favorites:
“Mirrors” – Justin Timberlake
“Sweet Disposition” – The Temper Trap
“Lost” – Frank Ocean
“Blue” – Beyoncé
“Deadbeat Summer” – Neon Indian
“Cadillac Girl” – Only Real
“Sometimes” – Beach Fossils
“Swimming Pool Blues” – Miniature Tigers
“Budapest” – George Ezra
“I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” – Jamie xx
cunnignham
Cunningham Falls State Park – Thurmont, Md.
8 a.m.-sunset. prices vary. 301-271-7574. dnr2.maryland.gov
Get out of bed and go outside! Check out this state’s highest cascading waterfall at one of the most popular state parks – get there early on a weekend, the place fills up. Hike to the impressive 78-foot falls, and then take a dip at the lakefront beach. Or, rent a paddleboard or kayak. If you can’t get enough of the place, pitch a tent at the campground and stay awhile. On your way home, swing by the quaint, mountain town of Thurmont or drive further south and peruse the shops and restaurants of historic Frederick – maybe even take a tour of Flying Dog Brewery. It might feel like the middle of nowhere, but there’s plenty to do.
A milder playlist, perfect for a drive through the countryside:
“Hummed Low” – Odessa
“Walk in the Park” – Oh No, Oh My!
“The Look” – Metronomy
“Chicago” – Sufjan Stevens
“Riptide” – Vance Joy
“Simple Girl” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
“Old Pine” – Ben Howard
“17” – Youth Lagoon
“Huckleberry Finn” – Solander
“Woodland” – The Paper Kites
qvc
QVC Studio Park – West Chester, Pa.
Mon.-Sat. times and prices vary. (800) 600-9900. qvc.com
It’s a bit of a wildcard, but it’s worth the trek to see how QVC works its television-shopping magic. Tour the studios and watch live broadcasts, then shop your heart out with all the as-seen-on-TV products you could ever want. See the kitchen sets and control rooms or meet a QVC merchandiser. You can choose from one of several different tours with varying prices starting at $10 for adults. If you’re a shopaholic — or just fascinated by TV — this one’s for you.
An upbeat mix of new and old:
“Can’t Buy Me Love” – The Beatles
“Mr. Sandman” – The Chordettes
“Barbara Ann” – The Beach Boys
“You Didn’t Love Me Then” – The Hit Parade
“Under Your Spell” – Desire
“Cheerleader” – OMI
This Could Be Us – Rae Sremmurd
Bitch Better Have My Money – Rihanna
